DATE: March 23, 2009
CONTACT: Kimberly Maroe, Public Information Manager
Broward County Commission
PHONE: 954-357-8053
Demonstrating his commitment to help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, Broward County Vice Mayor Ken Keechl joined actor Blair Underwood, U.S. Congressman Ron Klein and thousands of people from throughout Florida who participated in the 2009 Florida AIDS Walk on Sunday, March 15.
"I'm very proud of this community. People here come from all walks of life and on this day we share a common goal to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS," said Vice Mayor Keechl. "For some, this walk is about personal loss, for others it's about concern for those in our community. For me, it's both."
Florida is ranked third in the United States for those with HIV/AIDS. It's estimated that more than 125,000 individuals are infected with HIV/AIDS statewide. In Broward County, more than 15,000 people are living with the disease.
Proceeds from Florida AIDS Walk 2009 will benefit AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the Pet Project, the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Greater Fort Lauderdale, and the Broward Human Rights Initiative.
AIDA Healthcare Foundation (AHF)
In Broward County, AHF serves more than 15,000 people living with HIV/AIDS through its programs, including: a statewide disease management program, a mobile health unit, two AHF Magic Johnson Healthcare Centers located in Jacksonville and Miami, the AHF North Point healthcare center in Fort Lauderdale, the AHF Pharmacy network and its Medicare Advantage Part D Special Needs program called Positive Healthcare Partners serving Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. AHF recently opened an Out of the Closet Thrift Store in Wilton Manors, offering free HIV testing and treatment referral through an AHF Pharmacy built adjacent to the store.
The Pet Project
The Pet Project is a nonprofit organization that serves the needs of low-income pet owners who are living with AIDS or terminal or disabling conditions and illnesses. The Pet Project offers comprehensive services designed to enable our clients to keep their animal companions. Services include an animal food bank, referrals to subsidize or low-cost veterinary care, dog walking, litter box maintenance, grooming, foster care and adoption when necessary.
Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Greater Fort Lauderdale
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Greater Fort Lauderdale serves the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community. The Center provides information, education, advocacy, support, human services, cultural experiences and social opportunities. The center works to foster personal development and quality of life for the entire community.
Broward Human Rights Initiative
Broward Human Rights Initiative (BHRI) is a program that provides legal protection for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community in Broward County. BHRI was also created to protect the civil rights of GLBT persons in Broward County through legal representation, community education and community mobilization.
PHOTO CAPTION:
Left to right: Wilton Manors City Commissioner Tom Green, Broward County Vice Mayor Ken Keechl, Actor Blair Underwood, State Rep. Kelly Skidmore, Wilton Manors Vice Mayor Justin Flippen, and former Oakland Park City Commissioner Larry Gierer.
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